Mode control of motorized active suspension damper for ride quality and energy efficiency

This paper presents a mode control algorithm of motorized active suspension damper (MASD) for ride quality and energy efficiency. The control algorithm has been developed based on a Full-car model. The model consists of front and rear half-car dynamics. The proposed control algorithm consists of supervisory, upper-level and lower-level controllers. The control modes, such as passive and roll control modes are determined in the supervisory controller. The upper-level controller derives damping force using linear quadratic control theory. The lower level controller determines actuator input. At the same time, state estimators, vehicle body velocity estimator, suspension state estimator, are designed to estimate vehicle states used to control the actuator. The performance of the proposed mode control algorithm has been evaluated through simulations. It has been shown that the proposed MASD control algorithm improves the ride quality and energy efficiency.